Hersman, who is currently the chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), will be joining NSC at its headquarters in Itasca, Ill.

"I am thrilled to have the opportunity to lead an organization dedicated to saving lives and preventing injuries," said Deborah Hersman. "The National Safety Council vision of 'making our world safer' has the potential to improve every workplace, every community and the way we travel every day."

Hersman was first appointed as a NTSB board member by President Bush in 2004 and was reappointed to two additional five-year terms by President Obama in 2009 and 2013. She was appointed chairman by President Obama in 2009, 2011 and 2013, with unanimous Senate confirmation votes.

Previously, Hersman was a senior advisor to the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation from 1999 to 2004 and served as staff director and senior legislative aide to former U.S. Rep. Bob Wise (D– WV) from 1992 to 1999.